CINCINNATI — Gregory the beagle was on the list to be euthanized at an Ohio animal shelter earlier this month. But then he got a whole new beginning.

Joe and Schenley Kirk of HOUND Rescue and Sanctuary in Findlay, Ohio, rescued Gregory from Franklin County Animal Shelter in Columbus, Ohio.

In a photo posted to Facebook on May 1, which has since been shared 10,000 times, Gregory cozies up to his rescuer and driver, Joe Kirk. His tongue is out and eyes gazing lovingly at Kirk while resting his head on his shoulder. Schenley Kirk calls the trip a "freedom ride."

"He KNOWS he is SAFE!" Schenley Kirk wrote in the post.

HOUND stands for "Helping Overlooked Unwanted Neglected Dogs," according to their website. The organization is accepting donations for the heart worm treatment Gregory needs. Donations can be made here.